Last-Minute Summer Vacations

20 Reasons You Need To Take A Last-Minute Vacation

Even though the sun has officially set on summer and we've entered fall, there's still enough time to get in a quick vacation to charge you up for the winter ahead. Whether you want to participate in some intense recreational activities like surfing or diving, or you just want to reconnect with nature, we've identified the 20 best places in North America to take a quick last-minute vacation.

The Everglades

The Everglades are the only remaining subtropical wilderness in America, and the only place on Earth where crocodiles and alligators coexist. Home to its share of endangered species (as well as some newly-introduced invasive ones, like the Burmese python), the Everglades are considered an International Biosphere Reserve, a World Heritage Site, and a Wetland of International Importance, making it one of only three locations in the world to appear on all three lists.

Lake Tahoe

California and Nevada, USA

Countless families take their yearly summer vacations in Lake Tahoe for a reason. The serenity that comes from spending time near that enormous freshwater lake is simply unbeatable. The sounds of Lake Tahoe at night are endlessly soothing. Sure, there are areas of Lake Tahoe that are touristy, yet if you stick to the outskirts of town and base your entire experience on who you arrived with, not the town’s attractions, you’ll find yourself making plans to come back before you even leave.

The Superior Hiking Trail

One of the best long hikes in the Midwest, Minnesota’s Superior Trail traces nearly 300 miles of ridgeline overlooking Lake Superior. In addition to grand views of the lake, the trail will deliver you to plunging waterfalls, soaring cliffs, murmuring streams and thick, colorful forests. With trailheads located every 5 to 10 miles, no required fees or permits for hiking or camping, and a shuttle service to help you connect points, there’s little standing in the way of hiking the entire trail section by section.

South Point Cliffs

Looking for one of the most beautiful spots to cliff dive in the 50 states? Well, with heights of over 75 feet, the South Point Cliffs on the big island of Hawaii offer an iconic jump at the birthplace of the sport. When the Hawaiian King Kahekili ruled in the 1700’s, he actually tested his warriors’ loyalty and bravery by having them jump off the ledge into the rough waters. For those who make the trip to the southernmost point in the United States, they’ll peer at the endless ocean horizon to reenact the legendary ritual and enjoy one the most exciting cliff dives in the world.

Manatee Springs State Park

Manatee Springs is a small state park in Florida that is easy to access and offers a great opportunity to observe the rare and beautiful manatee. The springs are a near constant 72 degrees in fall and winter, and provide an ideal temperature for the manatees. If the gentle manatee isn’t your thing, the bare, moss-draped trees are frequently filled with vultures in the winter.

Giant Forest

The Giant Forest is situated within Sequoia National Park, and is so named because it’s home to some of the largest (and oldest) trees in the world, including the single largest living organism alive today. Named General Sherman, the tree is an astounding 275 feet tall and 75 feet around. More importantly, it’s believed to be nearly 3,000 years old. 40 plus miles of footpaths mean you’ll have plenty of options for exploration.

Quoddy Head State Park

Located in Maine, this exquisite park is the easternmost point of land in the United States. And, around the equinoxes, Quoddy Head is actually the first spot in the entire country where you can watch the sunrise. There’s something extraordinary about being one of the first people lucky enough to watch the sunrise, all while being surrounded by a landscape that’d make even the most veteran cinematographers giddy with anticipation.

The East Coast Trail

Newfoundland and Labrador’s East Coast Trail is the easternmost hiking trail in North America, but it feels like a different continent entirely. Stomp your way over 165 developed miles to earn views of the Atlantic Ocean, icebergs, fjords, sea stacks and even a wave‐powered geyser. In addition to these natural wonders, the trail also winds through dozens of historic communities and abandoned coastal settlements, providing a real feel for the history of the region.

Red Rocks Park

This jump is NOT for beginners. With narrow inlets, varying water levels, and a roughly 80‐foot jump into the frigid waters of Lake Champlain, the challenge is very real. But for the cliff divers with experience and, well, lots of bravery, it’s one of the most exhilarating places in the United States. Imagine standing atop the cliff and absorbing the gorgeous New England scenery before doing a thrilling free fall into cold, blue waters — yeah, that’ll wake someone up.

Lake Dorothy/James M. John State Wildlife Areas

Lake Dorothy and James M. John are adjacent wildlife areas in Colorado that cover the high plains of Southeastern Colorado and the 10,000-feet tall Fisher’s Peak. These diverse habitats provide the opportunity for travelers to observe animals like peregrine falcons, golden eagles, mule deer, elk and mountain lion.

Niagara Falls

Yep, a natural creation so awesome it required two countries to contain it. Depending on your adrenaline tolerance, there are several ways to experience the falls. The more timid can walk the boardwalk skirting the rapids, while those who want to get up close to the natural power can take boat rides that bring you within arm’s reach of the thundering falls. For those who like a bird’s eye view, cable cars traverse the massive waterfall system.

Big Sur

When people first visit California, there’s one destination that seemingly every local will collectively agree is a must­ visit. That destination is Big Sur. While there are miles upon miles of trails for the dedicated hiker, Big Sur also offers spectacular scenery within steps of Highway 1. From lush redwood forests to incredible ocean views, the tranquility of not only the destination, but also the gorgeous Pacific Coast drive, makes Big Sur an absolute necessity.

The Colorado River

The Grand Canyon is known for its breathtaking natural wonders — so why not whitewater raft through some of the high‐speed rapids along the Colorado River that weaves through the desert rock? This visit is the ultimate destination for multi‐day rafting in the United States, with 226 miles of exhilarating water and rapids that go up to Class V. Come for the thrilling and intense rafting, but stay for the amazing side trips, hikes, and scenic beauty.

Yosemite National Park

Most of the 3.7 million visitors to Yosemite National Park in California go and see the seven square miles known as Yosemite Valley that was named a World Heritage Site in 1984. Still, 95% of the almost 750,000 acres is designated wilderness. As famous naturalist John Muir said of Yosemite, “Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home; that wildness is a necessity.”

La Bufadora

Part of what makes nature so awe-inspiring is its unpredictability, and nowhere is that more apparent than at La Bufadora in Baja California, Mexico. A cave located at sea level, La Bufadora causes incoming water to gush out as a sort of impromptu, natural geyser. That’s cool enough on its own, but what makes the Bufadora unique is the sound the water makes as it exits the cave. Look it up on YouTube — it’s super creepy.

Transmitter Park

These days, Brooklyn is generally dubbed the hipster capital of the United States, nay, the planet. And that’s somewhat warranted. The streets of Brooklyn’s trendiest areas are regularly flooded with mustachioed men who just left an artisanal cheese shop. HBO’s Girls doesn’t necessarily fabricate the area’s vibe. That being said, Greenpoint, Brooklyn’s Transmitter Park, truly is a hidden gem. It’s quiet. It’s quaint. It’s the absolute perfect spot to read a book, take a date on a picnic, or just generally decompress.

North Shore

With over seven miles of coastline, the North Shore on the island of Oahu is a legendary surf spot with awesome, glassy waves. The Banzai pipeline, for example, is known for the enormous waves that break for the perfect tube ride and the area is host to the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing — also known as the “Super Bowl of Surfing.” For those that make the pilgrimage to one of surfing’s most iconic spots, they’ll have the chance to score the biggest wave of their lives.

Channel Islands National Park

Channel Islands National Park consists of five to eight small islands not far off the coast of Los Angeles. Although close to L.A., the area is underdeveloped and was named a National Landmark in 1938. The park is famously home to numerous harbor seals and sea lions, and is also home to pelicans and foxes.

Cozumel

In Mexico, it’s tempting to search for natural wonders on land, or even get distracted by the plentiful ancient man-made ruins. If you’re into marine life, though, Cozumel is your jam. Often overlooked as a cruise ship port, Cozumel is also home to some amazing shallow reefs along the coast, away from the bustling downtown area. Rent a glass-bottomed boat or slip on a snorkel to visit what’s known as one of the best diving locations in the world.

Sandy Beach

This is the center of the bodyboarding world. Known as the birthplace of the sport, Sandy Beach on South Shore of the Oahu Island offers a massive, unique shorebreak — an unparalleled thrill. Because of the natural geography, the waves will take off almost vertically, move deceptively fast and powerfully, and come from every direction; even the experienced will have to overcome these challenges to make a wave. Stay safe and bodyboarders will be rewarded with one of the most exciting rides of their lives.